Monday letters to the editor

Almost 35 years ago, my father, a state trooper, was shot and killed in the line of duty. My mother, five brothers and sisters, and I were left with a void in our lives that will never be filled.

I have been following the MacPhail story with great sympathy. The loved ones of a murder victim go through such a terrible ordeal, simultaneously dealing with both the grief of the loss and the long, difficult legal process.

While most would assume that death sentences provide closure and finality, I have seen the opposite in so many cases. The anguish that this years-long nightmare has caused the MacPhail family is unfathomable.

The Aug. 17 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, just two days before the 20th anniversary of Officer Mark MacPhail's death, must have been overwhelming to them. It is my hope that the person who murdered this valiant officer will be held accountable.

The deep questions surrounding the guilt of Troy Davis have also captured my attention. With only two of the nine key witnesses remaining against him, including the chief alternative suspect, this case necessitates a re-examination. It is my hope that our justice system will not carry out what could be a wrongful, irreversible execution.

KATHY DILLON

Three Mile Bay

Kesselman's name-calling lacked facts

It strikes me funny that a doctor from Bluffton only uses generalizations and no facts in an attempt to mean the GOP. ("GOP accusations steeped in cruelty," Dr. Henry Kesselman, Aug. 20)

That little game seemed like so much fun when I read it; I thought I'd give it a shot.

How big is your mansion you live in with that doctor's salary? What kind of luxury European automobiles do you and your family have parked in that multi-car garage?

And finally, how many "poor" people do you employ to mow your lawn, cook your dinner, and clean your mansion?

Wow, that was fun, but maybe next time, Doc, you might want to include an actual fact in your letter and try not to resort to standard generalizations when talking disparagingly about the GOP.

MICHAEL GARY

Statesboro

Woman heartbroken by loss of stray dogs

My family and I moved into the residential neighborhood behind the Dan Vaden Chevrolet on Abercorn Street two and a half years ago. I observed a red-toned dog and a black and white dog hanging out together, minding their own business.

They never chased after people or cars and they never knocked over trash cans. Every day I observed them living a quiet, happy, peaceful and loving life together in the woods on Lewis Drive. It brought joy to my heart to see such a loving relationship, for it didn't matter that they were dogs. They were in love.

About eight months ago, the female dog had a litter of beautiful puppies. I was totally surprised when I saw the puppies. They started hanging out on the curb as they got older, but momma dog had total control. If she wasn't watching them, then the father dog was watching them. The dogs never chased the many walkers of the area or the cars.

My family went out of town last weekend and when we returned there were no dogs. I believe Animal Control had come and captured them. I'm sure that this family of dogs has been destroyed.

Someone probably freaked out when they heard about the professor and his wife who were killed by a pack of wild dogs in North Georgia, but this was a loving family of dogs. Who are the real culprits?

The biggest are the lazy, insensitive and heartless people who dump their pets on lonely roads because they are tired of cleaning up after their pets. Pets take work and money, but a lot of people get baby pets. When the newness wears off, they dump them. Hunters are really bad about dumping their dogs when their usefulness wears off. I have seen many hunting dogs dead or dying on country roads.

My heart breaks when I turn onto Lewis Drive. I don't see this family of dogs that I grew to admire and respect. What a waste.

MARY BARKER

Savannah

Stop picking on the Obamas

We Americans are the most ungrateful people on the planet.

When the Obamas went into the White House, the country was on the brink of financial collapse. We are still involved in two wars, and the president is trying to get health care for all Americans - the same health care that Congress enjoys, yet we have people complaining about the First Lady wearing short pants.

Please give the Obamas a break. The Obamas are the first family to ever occupy the White House that has any resemblance of the average American family. They look and act like average Americans. They don't put on airs or act as if they are royalty.

The Lincolns were the last family that occupied 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue that appeared to be from the people that they govern and not some blue bloods.

Are we all cowards? Do we attack the children next? Leave the First Family alone, the president's plate is full. If you are not part of the solution, please step to the side and hold your piece.

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I agree with Mr. Garvin, let the first family be. I've heard so many negative things about President Obama. Come on people, give him a chance already. He has only been in office eight months. Given the shape of the economy, the situation in the middle east, immigration and health care, he has his work cut out for him. If you want to complain about a president and his job performance, or lack thereof, you should complain about George W. Bush. In my opinion, Bush was the worst president in history. America would have been much better off with no president at all.